On Becoming Unstoppable

Whether you're a new freshman, transfer, graduate or adult student, you will find a passion for life-changing knowledge and social justice among the students and faculty at St. Edward's University.

George E. Martin, PhD

President, St. Edward's University

Education

• PhD, Fordham University
• MA, Fordham University
• BA, St. John's University

Career Highlights

• Entered faculty service in 1969 as a member of the St. Peter's College Political Science Department; became chairman in 1976
• Academic dean of St. Peter's College from 1985 to 1991 then became academic vice president
• Inaugurated as president of        St. Edward's University in October 1999

St. Edward's Highlights 1999-2010

• Doubled size of freshman class to 770
• Increased six-year graduation rate to 67%
• Increased overall enrollment from 3,669 to 5,400
• Achieved recognition as one of the top regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report for eight consecutive years
• Peers named St. Edward's as one of the "Up-and-Coming Universities" for 2010 and 2011
• Increased total fundraising to more than $85 million
• Formed partnerships to create a spectrum of educational programs around the world

Involvements

• Council of Independent Colleges, board member
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, board member
• Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
• Association of American Colleges and Universities, President’s Trust for Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP)
• National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
• Texas Campus Compact, board member
• Ballet Austin, board member
• Austin Symphony Honorary Advisory Council
• Caritas Community Advisory Board
• Austin Area Research Organization
• Tuesday Club
• Commission on Higher Education Attainment

I attribute the St. Edward's difference to our dedication to excellence, as well as our focus on education as a journey of self-discovery. This journey allows students to find out who they are and what talents they have, and who they can be and should be as moral and ethical members of their professional and civic communities. I also credit a strongly held belief, instilled long ago by the Congregation of Holy Cross, that by working together we achieve outcomes that surpass the reach of anyone pursuing a goal alone.

Study the achievements of St. Edward's University over the last decade and you will see this confidence and collaboration at work. In 2000, it allowed us to set forth an ambitious vision for the school — to become known as one of the best small universities in the country. That vision, guided by a 10-year strategic plan, fueled a decade of enrollment growth, campus expansion and academic innovation that has garnered national acclaim for St. Edward’s.

In 2010, we created a new five-year strategic plan that will extend the presence and impact of the university around the globe. Our vision for 2015: educate students for the opportunities and challenges of a 21st century world.

It would take a book to trace the full arc of the 125-year-old success story of St. Edward’s. Allow me to share a few of the highlights and hallmarks of our ongoing transformation. I hope it will inspire you to add your spark to a fire that burns ever brighter.

St. Edward's Highlights and Hallmarks

Faculty

To guarantee a top-quality, personalized education for our students, we attract dynamic teacher-scholars who prefer a smaller school that encourages teamwork across disciplines and ample time with each student. Nearly 90% of our 230+ full-time faculty members hold PhDs or the highest degree in their field.

Student Quality

Since 1999, average freshman SAT scores have risen almost 90 points to 1128. More than 50% of the 2010–2011 freshmen rank in the top quarter of their high school classes. High-achieving students and parents know the value of a private education connecting liberal arts education with the tools and experience needed for professional success.

Student Success

Bolstered by self-discovery, sense of purpose and a worldview, our students earn prestigious Fulbright, McNair and Udall fellowships and pursue global challenges in Europe, Latin America and Asia. They enroll in graduate programs in top institutions, including Duke, Notre Dame, Cornell and Cal-Berkeley. And they are hired by the world's best companies — IBM, MTV, Apple, Dell and Google, to name a few.

Dynamic Hilltop Campus

Since 1999, St. Edward's has made more than $150 million in campus improvements. New residence halls, dining and recreation facilities, laboratories and classrooms reflect a confidence that the coming years will see St. Edward's and its students aim even higher.

Global Reach

As part of Strategic Plan 2015, St. Edward’s continues to expand opportunities for international learning. In recent years, we’ve opened a portal campus in Western France with plans for two more international portals by 2015. And we've launched numerous global initiatives and partnerships to support or goal of doubling the number of undergraduates who study abroad. Meanwhile, the Austin campus environment will become more global as we enhance our international programs and curriculum while increasing the number of international faculty, staff and students.

Meet the Provost and Vice Presidents of St. Edward's University (PDF) »